Supply Chain

Missing the mark: the pressing problem for building products

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The incoming government needs to urgently address the negative impact of the new post-Brexit standards regime on the building products market, finds Greg Pitcher The year was 1993. Inflation ran as low as 1.6 per cent, Manchester United won the inaugural Premier League and the CE mark was introduced in…

Better design and material reuse can mitigate supply chain risks

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Mat Lown is head of ESG and sustainability at TFT Consultants Among the biggest issues currently facing the UK construction industry are the risks associated with global supply chains. We are all aware of the contributing factors and the impact they can have on construction projects. In particular, rising development…

Starmer moots launch of publicly owned energy company

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Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has vowed to turn the UK into a clean-energy superpower – stating his ambition to establish a government-owned energy company within his first year in office. Addressing delegates at the annual Labour Party conference in Liverpool, Sir Keir said he would work with current shadow…

Firms alerted to £800m North East framework

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A framework provider has announced an £800m framework for public sector work in the North East of England. NEPO, formerly known as the North East Procurement Organisation and part of the Association of North East Councils, is advertising for the framework that will run from April 2023 until 2029. Local…

HS2: £40m fencing job up for grabs

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Fencing specialists are being sought by a joint venture of main contractors working on HS2. EFKB, which consists of Eiffage, Kier, Ferrovial Construction and Bam Nuttall, has notified potential subcontractors of a fencing job valued between £30m and £40m. The chosen firms will supply the materials and install permanent fencing,…

East Midlands contractor set for liquidation

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East Midlands-based firm Robert Woodhead is set to be placed into voluntary liquidation, with most staff being made redundant. RSM UK Restructuring Advisory was called in last week as management at the firm, located in Edwinstowe, Nottinghamshire, began the process of shutting it down. The pressure of fixed-price contracts in…

CLC advises firms to change work patterns during mourning of Queen

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Contractors should stagger start and end times to help those working at London construction sites travel safely during the national mourning period for the Queen. Ahead of the Queen's funeral on Monday 19 September, which is a bank holiday, the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has encouraged firms to put plans…

Collapsed specialist’s energy division sold, saving 100 jobs

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The insulation and solar power arm of the UK's largest roofing specialist, which entered administration last week, has been acquired by a private investor – saving all 100 jobs in the division. Avonside Energy was one of the 39 divisions which fell into administration last week when the wider Avonside…

Construction industry showing ‘first signs of slowdown’

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The construction industry has “peaked” and is showing the “first signs of slowdown” despite recovering well from disruption caused by Covid-19, finance experts have warned. In its latest market analysis, leading cost consultant Arcadis said the sector, which achieved historic high output figures in May, had enjoyed a “strong rebound”…

Firms alerted to £1.3bn fire safety work scheme

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A social housing provider is tendering for a £1.35bn framework to provide building and fire safety work. Hyde Group, which provides around 50,000 affordable homes, is looking for suppliers, contractors and assessors to carry out fire safety works over the next four years. Although the group works predominantly in London…